Demonetisation: Queues at banks start getting longer

Queues were longer than usual, though shorter in comparison to the first few days after Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes were demonetised

The queue outside ICICI bank in Bhandup on Wednesday.(Pratik Chorge/HT)

Pay day for people may turn into a nightmare for bankers. People have formed long queues outside banks and automated teller machines (ATMs) for their monthly withdrawals and deposits.

“This was the day we were worried about. Some people may receive their salaries later, but most of them get it by today or tomorrow,” said Chirag Makani, a businessman who stood outside the Borivli branch of a bank.

Queues were longer than usual, though shorter in comparison to the first few days after Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes were demonetised. As usual, ATMs are likely to run out of cash within hours of opening, said residents.

Large crowds form outside an ATM in Mahim on Wednesday.
(Satish Bate)

Vilas Pathare, an office-goer waiting outside a Borivli ATM kiosk, was concerned about buying monthly supplies. “How do we buy food if we are unable to withdraw cash? We can’t stay hungry till black money is weeded out,” he said. “The rates of commodities have remained unchanged, which makes this all the more difficult,” he said.

People were also worried about getting change as most banks and ATMs were dispensing Rs2,000 notes.